Should the community make the rules?

[Snobdds]

Having a forum with lax rules and no moderators would be a lot like having a basketball game without referees. Sure refs make mistakes and bad calls that you don't agree with (but the other team sees as right). Without refs basketball game would quickly become more like a boxing match. I'd prefer basketball to stay as what the refs define as basketball.

Well, have your game inside with refs.

Some like to have the game outside with no refs.

There is not a 100% solution without options.

 

[Nikkorott]

Do you think we should allow the TBN members make the rules by way of proposing and voting on rules?

Over the years we've tried our best to make rules in the best interest of the community. Doing anything else would be counter-productive. But, maybe it's time for a new way of deciding the community rules.

I don't post a lot but I do get valuable info from this site. I think that you do a good job as Administrator. If folks want to "Chat" about politics there are a lot of other places for that.

 

[RandyT]

I too am on another forum that uses the "BANNED" banner under the user name. Some of the best content comes from 2 people on the forum that have been banned by the moderators, content by both of the banned individuals has been pinned to the top of the forum thread because the technical content is relevant and explained very well.

A recent member who did a self "ban" will be greatly missed.

I believe that the forum owner realizes this and is hoping for a better outcome in the future.
Needing your help to keep content relavant and within guidlines to make the forum a better experince going forward. This is a very tough task with a fine line.
Hence the thread here, "Should the community make the rules?" NO, Absolutely NO.

In the case the forum I was talking about. It was a few members that would go out of their way to attack other members that they didn't agree with. They were put on time out for a period of time, and on their first post back from suspension attacked another member so they got the hammer.

 

[crashz]

I voted no. Its Muhammed's site. Not mine.

I'll admit, I was a little butt-hurt when a thread was shut down that had shifted to Covid discussions and I participated in those discussions. I was unaware that Covid was not allowed due to the inevitable political discussion. I get it. Its fine. I should have read the rules!

With that said, this forum is literally the only consistent space I spend any time on the internet. I do so because it seems to me the last bastion of good folks discussing the related topics with some form of civil behavior. I have mentioned it before but I was a fan of Bob is the Oil Guy (BITOG) for many years too. but it got so toxic for so long that I couldn't stand it. Logging in felt like a punishment. I left and will not go back. I hope that never happens to TBN.

 

[PJSprog]

With that said, this forum is literally the only consistent space I spend any time on the internet. I do so because it seems to me the last bastion of good folks discussing the related topics with some form of civil behavior.

I've also not been shy about noting that this has become my favorite place on the internet, especially one particularly friendly and long-running thread. I would definitely hate to see that get spoiled.

 

[RoyJackson]

I've also not been shy about noting that this has become my favorite place on the internet, especially one particularly friendly and long-running thread. I would definitely hate to see that get spoiled.

Same here...TBN is the first place I look at when I get up in the morning

 

[Snobdds]

Well it looks like TBN needs to be a more sterile environment.

Moderate it accordingly and let the chips fall where they lay.

 

[tomplum]

Thanks for posting this Muhammad. This gives TBN members a reason to reflect on why they are members here. There have been a few question marks on why particular threads are closed and maybe mods could be instructed to post a heads up to cool down or stay on topic before dropping the axe.

Personally I prefer the forum w/o politics. Though I don't get offended easily, the news sites on the web are enough of a wall builder that we don't need here. TBN is a good diversion from that in my book.

 

[Richard]

I'm sure I've offended somebody at sometime.

Well, I'm offended.

I'm not sure if it's because my wife just left the room or that the Bengals have made it to the Superbowl.

Maybe I just need a change of pace from being calm, cool & collected and try out being offended once.

 

[GeneV]

I do wish *some* politics was allowed before the thread gets locked, sometimes it seems a bit hair-triggery. BUT, then you got dudes that turn threads into a personal war or whatever, it gets lame. So what's it gonna be then, forum members chiming in to close the thread or whatever? Naw, imho admin should have final say on what goes down over here.

 

[riptides]

For those challenged on devices.

 

[9973720wb19]

While I'm no social media guru (no disrespect to the true meaning) it seems this site is very successful. I'd bet if a KPI would be "the average length of membership stay" compared to other sites (of any type) this site would rank pretty well. I can say I've really enjoyed this site and my experience has been of one of the most comfortable, supportive and nicest communities.

 

[deezler]

Voted no, site is run great IMO. Mo, the only thing I might say is, be transparent when someone crosses the line. Don't just hack away posts without any explanation.

Listen folks, it seems very easy to me: Don't personally attack or insult other members. Don't argue about religion or politics (on a dang tractor forum, c'mon). And apparently, covid is a pretty political hot-button these days. Too bad, since we ought to be able to discuss it calmly. But this probably isn't the place.

The guys that get so self righteous about their "right" to discuss religion and espouse their personal political views, attack other members, or refuse to comply with a simple rule about signature lines? I mean, good riddance, if they bail. Stubborn people can go be grumpy by themselves, I guess.

 

[Looking4new]

I voted 'NO', mainly because I like the site the way it is. Muhammad, it is your house, your rules.
I never discuss politics or religion with anybody online or in person. You have yours and I have mine. I don't shove mine down your throat and I will NOT allow you to shove yours down my throat.

 

[Egon]

The owner runs the site! Since I’ve been a participant (20 years or so ) he has had a very successful site that has great participant increase.

I’m quite sure I could not improve on the forums administration aspects. He’s much more capable than myself.

How many know how old the person was when he started the site.

 

[Diggin It]

Suggestions.

Rather than:

-Discussion of religious topics

-Discussion of political topics​

Perhaps:

- Religious content.​

​

- Political content.​

That should remove all doubt about what is or isn't.



Also I suggest tweaking the dealer rule as it seems too broad. People often complain about their dealers. It even happened on a thread where a dealer chimed in.

 

[Jstpssng]

So, more moderators needed?

I mentioned this in K0ua's thread only because it seems like most moderators are veterans of the site; but only one is still around on a regular basis. Perhaps it's time to pass on the torch to members who are here more often?

 

[Looking4new]

Egon, Muhammad was about 18 when he started this site?

 

[California]

One improvement that could improve the members' experience and also improve TBN's attractiveness to others:

Obviously when a post is deleted, or there's a ban, some moderator has thought about it a little. I think a PM should be sent to the poster with a brief explanation.

This should help steer that poster back into conformity with Muhammad's site rules.

This is called 'feedback' in some areas, used to keep something on the intended course.

 

[JDZ735M]

If there's an issue with a moderator's decision or attitude, than contacting Muhammad directly would be the better way to go...
We're all human with opinions, prejudices and attitudes.
I've never had a problem with any of the moderators...even when we had the UN"friendly" Politics forum.
I guess I've had posts removed...don't recall any, but after 20some years on TBN, I'm sure I've offended somebody at sometime.
Nobody should take any internet forum too seriously...

Doesn't really matter what the rules are as far as I am concerned and I gave up getting my feelings hurt in internet forums long ago. I can leave or stay, my choice. Nobody is forcing me.

BUT, if there are rules they should be consistently enforced and mods who play favorites should be canned.